Social responsibility
New Zealand's transport system provides access to social, educational, employment and recreational opportunities and, in this way, contributes to the wellbeing of communities.
However, the construction, operation and maintenance of the transport system can have negative social impacts. This includes the creation of severance by roading projects in areas where people need to move between different activities and existing land uses. There are many ways to support community cohesion by improving land use accessibility, affordability and transport diversity.
Learn how we're addressing social responsibility through:
- using integrated planning
- planning for quality urban design
- planning for walking and cycling
- taking account of The New Zealand Disability Strategy (external link)
Environmental responsibility
Transport generates a number of adverse environmental effects from both transport infrastructure and vehicles. The effects, which can be direct, indirect and cumulative, include:
- greenhouse gas emissions
- air pollution
- discharges to land and water
- amenity impacts
- the use of non-renewable resources
- land take
- biodiversity losses.
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is New Zealand's primary environmental statue and establishes a framework within which the environmental effects of our activities can be identified and properly dealt with. When developing, maintaining and operating transport infrastructure both central and local government are required to comply with the RMA.
We've produced many research reports examining the environment effects of transport and how to avoid, reduce and mitigate these effects.
We must ensure that we avoid, remedy or mitigate our effects on the environment during the planning, construction, maintenance and operation of the state highway network.
Our environmental plan (PDF, 102 pages, 4.63KB) sets out our strategic environmental vision to enable us to set specifications and standards for our contractors undertaking roading works. The plan is also available to help and guide other land transport operators.
Learn more about how we're meeting our environmental responsibilities on the state highway.
Additional information
For more information on planning for aspects of social responsibility see:
Neighbourhood accessibility plans (NAP)
- Information for local authorities starting projects
- Guidelines for coordinators
- Resources to support the guidelines for coordinators
- Case study research 2008
- Terms of reference template: investigation stage, available in Word format.
- Terms of reference template: prioritisation study, available in Word format.
- Summary posters for Nelson, Papatoetoe and South Dunedin.
Other complementary guideline documents
- Share the road – guidance and examples for running campaigns
- School travel plan coordinator's guidelines
- Workplace travel plan coordinator's guidelines
- Cycle network and route planning guide
- Pedestrian planning design guide
- Kiwirap - the road safety rating of state highways for risk (external link)
- Planning for community programmes – A practical guide to assist the decision-making process
